Fort Lauderdale Weather

Although located far away from the equator and outside the tropics Fort Lauderdale weather can be defined as tropical rainforest climate. Fort Lauderdale weather has very little seasonal variations in temperature. Average monthly temperatures go above 66 F (18.9 C) with average monthly precipitation surpassing the 2.39 inches (60.71 mm) mark. According to Koppen climate classification, Fort Lauderdale climate qualifies to be classified as tropical rainforest climate since the city has no true dry season. Although rain falls throughout the year, most of the rain received falls during summer.

Precipitation

Annual precipitation averages at 64.2 inches (1.630 mm) with the majority of precipitation falling during the wet season which runs from May through to October. All months experience short stints of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. On average Fort Lauderdale weather can have a total of 143 precipitation days and 250 days of sunshine per year. Fort Lauderdale is prone to hurricanes such that the months June to November are considered as hurricane season. September and October are the months when the state can face serious hurricanes. The most recent serious hurricane that affected Fort Lauderdale is Hurricane Katrina which struck the city in 2005.

Temperature

Summer (wet season) stretches from May through to October. Summers are hot, humid and wet with average high temperatures that range between 86 - 90 F (30 - 32 C) and average low temperatures that range between 71 - 76 F (22 - 24 C). Fort Lauderdale weather is typically characterized by brief afternoon or evening thunderstorms. The highest temperature ever recorded in Fort Lauderdale was 100 F (38 C) which was recorded on the 22nd of June 2009.

Dry Season Temperatures

Winter (the dry season), runs from November up to April. Winters are mostly dry with average high temperatures that range between 75 - 82 F (24 - 28 C). Low average temperatures during the dry season range from 59 -67 F (15 - 19 C). Fort Lauderdale weather can feature cold fronts which may occur occasionally during the dry season. The cold fronts can cause average high temperatures that range in the 60s F and average low temperatures that range in the 40s F. The cold fronts only last a few days. There are also some cases when freezing occurs such that it destroys a lot of tropical plants. The last time Fort Lauderdale received a snow flurry was on the 19th of January 1977.

Description Of Tropical Rainforest Climate

Tropical rainforest climate is mostly found along the equator. Regions that have this kind of climate feature rainforest ecosystems. According to Koppen definition a tropical rainforest climate is similar to a tropical climate where there is no dry season. All months in this kind of climate receive average precipitation of 2.36 inches (60 mm). In tropical rainforests there is no clear distinction between winter and summer, the whole year is wet and hot. Rainfall is heavy and frequent in tropical rainforests.

Effect of Fort Lauderdale Weather On Plants

A common feature that is found in most rainforests including Fort Lauderdale is the distinct buttress roots of trees. These roots are an adaptation to the climate which causes soil nutrients to be higher at the surface due to rapid turnover time and decomposition of plant residues.

General Climatic Information For Tropical Rainforests

All tropical rainforest climates are characterized by 3 major climatic parameters which are temperature, rainfall and the dry season. Rainforests are also affected by availability of carbon dioxide, sunlight and nitrogen availability. In general tropical rainforests have warm temperatures and high annual rainfall. The amount of rain received through the year changes thus producing distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainforests are categorized according to the amount of rainfall they receive. Looking at the amount of rainfall received in each tropical rainforest has made it possible for ecologists to differentiate these similarly structured forests.

According to Holdridge classification of ecosystems tropical rainforests must receive an annual rainfall of at least 800 cm and must have an average annual temperature which is greater than 24 C. Most tropical rainforests that lie in low altitudes have been classified as moist or wet forests. Rainforest ecology is very sensitive to climatic changes especially changes in rainfall. The climate of tropical rainforests is largely controlled by a group of clouds known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) which lies near the equator. The position of the ITCZ varies seasonally as it moves north in summer and south in winter. The movement of the ITCZ is responsible for the changes in seasons in the tropics.